Fluid Dispenser and Evacuator

ABSTRACT

A liquid flow device includes a container and a lid. When the lid is mounted on the container, the container supports a gas supply passage, a pressurization passage, an evacuation passage, and a liquid passage. A control valve is located between the gas supply passage and both the pressurization passage and the evacuation passage. In one configuration, the control valve provides communication between the gas supply passage and pressurization passage to pressurize the container and dispense liquid from the container through the liquid passage. In another configuration, the control valve provides communication between the gas supply passage and evacuation passage to create a vacuum pressure inside the container for evacuating liquid into the container through the liquid passage.

FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a liquid flow device for dispensingor evacuating liquid and more specifically to a dual purpose liquid flowdevice for selectively dispensing and evacuating liquid.

BACKGROUND

Devices such as dispensers and evacuators that control the flow ofliquid to and from a container are used in various ways. For example, inautomotive shops evacuators are used to drain liquid from brake lines,transmissions, etc., while dispensers are used to dispense liquid intotanks, hoses, and other components. Other liquid flow devices are alsoused in other applications.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a liquid flow device for selectively dispensing liquid orevacuating liquid from a source of liquid comprises a container definingan interior and an opening in fluid communication with the interior. Alid is configured to be mounted on the container over the opening.Passaging is supported by the container when the lid is mounted on thecontainer. The passaging includes a gas supply passage configured to befluidly connected to a source of pressurized gas. A pressurizationpassage is configured to be fluidly connected to the gas supply passage.The pressurization passage is positioned to deliver pressurized gas fromthe gas supply passage to the interior of the container when the lid ismounted on the container. An evacuation passage includes a venturi andis configured to be fluidly connected to the interior of the containerwhen the lid is mounted on the container. The evacuation passage isconfigured to be fluidly connected to the gas supply passage to conveypressurized gas from the source of pressurized gas through the venturito create a vacuum pressure in the interior of the container. A liquidpassage is configured to be fluidly connected to the interior of thecontainer and fluidly connected by the interior of the container to thepressurization passage and the evacuation passage when the lid ismounted on the container. A control valve is in fluid communication withand downstream from the gas supply passage and is in fluid communicationwith and upstream from the pressurization passage and the evacuationpassage. The control valve is selectively adjustable between at least adispensing configuration in which the control valve is configured topermit fluid communication between the gas supply passage and thepressurization passage and an evacuation configuration in which thecontrol valve is configured to permit fluid communication between thegas supply passage and the evacuation passage.

In another aspect, a pneumatic liquid dispenser for dispensing liquidcomprises a container having an interior for receiving the liquidtherein and defining an opening in fluid communication with the interiorof the container. A lid is configured to be mounted on the containerover the opening. Passaging is supported by the container when the lidis mounted on the container. The passaging includes a gas supplyconnector. The gas supply connector defines a gas supply inlet of thepneumatic liquid dispenser. The passaging includes a gas outlet anddefines a gas flow path from the gas supply inlet to the gas outlet. Thegas outlet is positioned to deliver pressurized gas from the passagingto the interior of the container when the lid is mounted on thecontainer. A pressure valve is fluidly connected with the passaging. Thepressure valve includes a valve member in the gas flow path between saidgas supply inlet of the pneumatic liquid dispenser and said gas outletof the passaging. The pressure valve is configured to automaticallyadjust the valve member to permit gas flow along the gas flow path whenpressure in the interior of the container is less than a thresholdpressure and to block gas flow along the gas flow path when pressure inthe interior of the container is greater than the threshold pressure. Aliquid passage is configured to be fluidly connected to the interior ofthe container, and fluidly connected by the interior of the container tothe passaging when the lid is mounted on the container.

In still another aspect, a liquid dispenser and evacuation devicecomprises a container having an interior for receiving liquid thereinand defining an opening in fluid communication with the interior of thecontainer. A lid is configured to be mounted on the container over theopening. Passaging is supported by the container when the lid is mountedon the container. The passaging includes a gas supply inlet and aventuri configured to generate vacuum pressure. The passaging isconfigured to be in fluid communication with the interior of thecontainer when the lid is mounted on the container. A control valve isin fluid communication with the passaging when the lid is mounted on thecontainer. The control valve is adjustable to a dispensing configurationin which the control valve permits gas flow through the passaging fromthe gas supply inlet to the interior of the container when the lid ismounted on the container, and the control valve is adjustable to anevacuation configuration in which the control valve permits gas flowthrough the passaging from the gas supply inlet to the venturi to createvacuum pressure in the interior of the container when the lid is mountedon the container. A mode selector valve is in fluid communication withthe passaging when the lid is mounted on the container. The modeselector valve is adjustable to a dispensing configuration in which themode selector valve blocks gas flow through the passaging to prevent theventuri from creating vacuum pressure in the interior of the container,and the mode selector valve is adjustable to an evacuation configurationin which the mode selector valve blocks gas flow through the passagingfrom the gas supply inlet to the interior of the container.

In yet another aspect, a liquid flow device for selectively dispensingliquid or evacuating liquid comprises a container defining an interiorand an opening in fluid communication with the interior. A lid isconfigured to be mounted on the container over the opening. Passaging issupported by the container when the lid is mounted on the container. Thepassaging includes a gas supply passage configured to be fluidlyconnected to a source of pressurized gas. A pressurization passage isconfigured to be fluidly connected to the gas supply passage. Thepressurization passage is positioned to deliver pressurized gas from thegas supply passage to the interior of the container when the lid ismounted on the container. An evacuation passage includes a venturi andis configured to be fluidly connected to the interior of the containerwhen the lid is mounted on the container. The evacuation passage isconfigured to be fluidly connected to the gas supply passage to conveypressurized gas from the source of pressurized gas through the venturito create vacuum pressure in the interior of the container. A liquidpassage is configured to be fluidly connected to the interior of thecontainer and fluidly connected by the interior of the container to thepressurization passage and the evacuation passage when the lid ismounted on the container. A mode selector valve is fluidly connected tothe pressurization passage and the evacuation passage. The mode selectorvalve is adjustable between a dispensing mode configuration and anevacuation mode configuration. The mode selector valve in the dispensingmode configuration blocks gas flow in the evacuation passage, and themode selector valve in the evacuation mode configuration blocks gas flowin the pressurization passage.

Other aspects will be in part apparent and in part pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a liquid flow device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the liquid flow device with a lid thereofexploded away from a container thereof;

FIG. 3 is top plan view of the liquid flow device;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a cross section taken in the plane of line4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow diagram of the liquid flow device when acontrol valve thereof is in a closed configuration;

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of the liquid flow device when thecontrol valve is in a dispensing configuration and a mode selector valvethereof is in an evacuation mode position;

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram of the liquid flow device when thecontrol valve is in the dispensing configuration and the mode selectorvalve is in a dispensing mode position;

FIG. 10 is a schematic flow diagram of the liquid flow device in aconfiguration similar to FIG. 9 but when a pressure valve of the liquidflow device is in a closed configuration;

FIG. 11 is a schematic flow diagram of the liquid flow device when thecontrol valve is in an evacuation configuration and the mode selectorvalve is in the dispensing mode position;

FIG. 12 is a schematic flow diagram of the liquid flow device when thecontrol valve is in an evacuation configuration and the mode selectorvalve is in the evacuation mode position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of the lid;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of the lid;

FIG. 15 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 15-15 of FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 17 is a perspective of the control valve;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective of the control valve;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation of the control valve;

FIG. 20 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 20-20 of FIG.19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective of a control valve body of the control valve;

FIG. 22 is an end elevation of the control valve body;

FIG. 23 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 23-23 of FIG.22;

FIG. 24 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 24-24 of FIG.22;

FIG. 25 is a perspective of a control valve member of the control valve;

FIG. 26 is an end elevation of the control valve member;

FIG. 27 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 27-27 of FIG.26;

FIG. 28 is a partial side elevation of the liquid flow deviceillustrating the control valve in the closed configuration;

FIG. 29 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 29-29 of FIG.28;

FIG. 30 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 30-30 of FIG.28;

FIG. 31 is a partial side elevation of the liquid flow deviceillustrating the control valve in the dispensing configuration;

FIG. 32 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 32-32 of FIG.31;

FIG. 33 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 33-33 of FIG.31;

FIG. 34 is a partial side elevation of the liquid flow deviceillustrating the control valve in the evacuation configuration;

FIG. 35 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 35-35 of FIG.34;

FIG. 36 is a cross section taken in a plane including line 36-36 of FIG.34;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective of the mode selector valve;

FIG. 38 is a perspective of a gate of the mode selector valve;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4, illustrating a firstgate portion of the gate valve when the mode selector valve is in theevacuation mode position;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of a portion of a cross section taken in aplane including line 40-40 of FIG. 3, illustrating a second gate portionof the gate valve when the mode selector valve is in the evacuation modeposition;

FIG. 41 is substantially similar to FIG. 39 but shows the mode selectorvalve in the dispensing mode position; and

FIG. 42 is substantially similar to FIG. 40 but shows the mode selectorvalve in the dispensing mode position.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, one embodiment of a liquid flow device isgenerally indicated at reference number 10. As will be appreciated, theillustrated device 10 is a multimodal flow device that is switchablebetween a dispensing mode in which the device dispenses liquid from acontainer, generally indicated at 12, and an evacuation mode in whichthe device evacuates liquid from an outside source of liquid into thecontainer 12. Thus, the illustrated liquid flow device can be referredto as a dispenser-evacuator or dispenser and evacuator. It will beunderstood, however, that aspects of the invention can also be used withother kinds of liquid flow devices, such as other types of multimodalflow devices, dispensers, evacuators, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container 12 has a bottleconfiguration, but the liquid flow device can include containers havingother configurations in other embodiments. The container 12 defines aninterior 14 and an opening 16 at a top of the container in fluidcommunication with the interior. The top of the container 12 includes athreaded collar around the opening 16 that is configured to mount a lidof the liquid flow device 10, which is generally indicated at referencenumber 20.

The liquid flow device 10 comprises passaging, which is indicatedgenerally at 22 in the schematic flow diagrams shown in FIGS. 7-12 andincludes a plurality of passages 22A-22D indicated throughout thedrawings. In general, the passaging 22 is configured to be connected toa source of pressurized gas (e.g., compressed air from an aircompressor) that drives liquid flow into the container 12 when thedevice 10 is operating in the evacuation mode, or out of the containerwhen the device is operating in the dispensing mode. As will beexplained below, a gas flow path GP and a liquid flow path LP (FIGS.7-12) through the passaging 22 is selectively adjustable using anadjustable control valve, generally indicated at 24, and an adjustablemode selector valve, generally indicated at 26. In addition, anautomatic pressure valve, generally indicated at 27 (FIG. 4), isconfigured to limit pressure in the container 12 and thereby affectsfluid flow through the device 10. Before describing the details ofconstruction of the passaging 22, control valve 24, mode selector valve26, and pressure valve 27 in the illustrated flow control device 10, thebasic function and capabilities of these elements will be generallydescribed in reference to the schematic flow diagrams of FIGS. 7-12. Itwill thus be understood that the details of construction of thepassaging 22, control valve 24, and/or mode selector valve 26 can varyfrom those shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 8-42 without departing from the scopeof the invention. Furthermore, it will be understood that one or more ofthe control valve, mode selector valve, and pressure valve can be can beomitted or used with a liquid flow device of a different purpose withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the passaging 22 includes a gas supply passage 22Aincluding a gas supply connector (broadly, gas supply inlet) that isconfigured to be fluidly connected to a source of pressurized gas (e.g.,a compressed air hose). A pressurization passage 22B and an evacuationpassage 22C are each fluidly connected to the interior 14 of thecontainer 12 and configured to be fluidly connected to the gas supplypassage 22A as described in further detail below. The evacuation passage22C includes a flow restriction 28 (e.g., a venturi fitting) and isbifurcated at the flow restriction between an evacuation leg 22Ci and anexhaust leg 22Cii. The flow restriction 28 is configured so that gasflowing across the flow restriction creates a vacuum pressure in theevacuation leg 22Ci (FIGS. 11-12). Gas flowing through the evacuationpassage 22C is exhausted through the exhaust leg 22Cii. Although theevacuation leg 22Ci is illustrated as communicating with the interior ofthe container separately from the pressurization passage 22B (i.e., theoutlet of the pressurization passage 22B to the container interior isdifferent than the inlet of the evacuation leg 22Ci from the containerinterior), it will be appreciated that in other embodiments theevacuation leg 22Ci could join with or be the same as the pressurizationpassage 22B such that the passages communicate with the interior of thecontainer via a shared inlet/outlet opening. The passaging 22 furtherincludes a liquid passage 22D that is fluidly connected to the interior14 of the container 12. The interior 14 of the container 12 fluidlyconnects the pressurization passage 22B and the evacuation passage 22Cto the liquid passage 22D. In the dispensing mode, liquid exits theinterior 14 through the liquid passage 22D, and in the evacuation mode,liquid enters the interior through the liquid passage. It will beunderstood that in certain embodiments the liquid flow device couldinclude more than one liquid passage, e.g., separate liquid passages fordispensing and evacuation.

The control valve 24 is configured to selectively connect the gas supplypassage 22A to the pressurization passage 22B and the evacuation passage22C. In FIGS. 7-12, the control valve 24 is shown schematically as amanual three-way valve. Various types of control valves can be usedwithout departing from the scope of the invention. The control valve 24is fluidly connected to the passaging and is selectively adjustable to aclosed configuration, to a dispensing configuration, and to anevacuation configuration. In the closed configuration (FIG. 7), thecontrol valve 24 blocks fluid communication between the gas flow passage22A to both the pressurization passage 22B and the evacuation passage22C. In the dispensing configuration (FIGS. 8-10), the control valve 24permits fluid communication between the gas supply passage 22A and thepressurization passage 22B and blocks fluid communication between thegas supply passage and the evacuation passage 22C. In the evacuationconfiguration (FIGS. 11-12), the control valve 24 permits fluidcommunication between the gas supply passage 22A and the evacuationpassage 22C and blocks fluid communication between the gas supplypassage and the pressurization passage 22B. In certain embodiments, thecontrol valve 24 can be adjustable in the dispensing configurationand/or evacuation configuration to throttle the flow rate of gas fromthe gas supply passage 22A into the pressurization passage 22B or theevacuation passage 22C, respectively.

The pressure valve 27 is provided along the pressurization passage 22Band is configured to block fluid communication through thepressurization passage in response to a pressure in the pressurizationpassage or the container 12. In FIGS. 7-12, the pressure valve 27 isschematically represented to be a normally-open, spring-biased needlevalve responsive to pressure in a segment of the pressurization passage22B located between the pressure valve and the mode selector valve 26.It will be understood that other types of pressure valves could be usedwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

The mode selector valve 26 is fluidly connected to the pressurizationpassage 22B downstream of the control valve 24 and the pressure valve27, and fluidly connected to the evacuation leg 22Ci of the evacuationpassage 22C upstream from the interior 14. The mode selector valve 26 isadjustable to a dispensing mode configuration and an evacuation modeconfiguration. In FIGS. 7-12, the mode selector valve 26 isschematically illustrated as two valves, one for the pressurizationpassage 22B and another for the evacuation passage 22C, which are linkedfor conjoint inverse manual actuation. In other words, actuation of thetwo valves 26 is linked so that, when one valve is opened, the othervalve is closed, and vice versa. When the mode selector valve 26 ismanually adjusted to be in the dispensing mode configuration (FIGS.9-11), the mode selector valve blocks fluid flow through the evacuationleg 22Ci of the evacuation passage 22C and permits fluid flow throughthe pressurization passage 22B (e.g., the valve along the evacuationpassage is closed and the valve along the pressurization passage isopen). When the mode selector valve 26 is manually adjusted to be in theevacuation mode position (FIGS. 7-8 and 12), the mode selector valveblocks fluid flow through the pressurization passage 22B and permitsfluid flow through the evacuation leg 22Ci of the evacuation passage 22C(e.g., the valve along the evacuation passage is open and the valvealong the pressurization passage is closed). As explained below, incertain embodiments, the mode selector valve 26 comprises twosliding-spool valves having spools joined by a bridge structure to beactuated in a conjoint manner such that when one sliding-spool valve isopen the other is closed for inverse operation. It will be understoodthat mode selector valves having other configurations (e.g., other typesof valves) can be used without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Various use cases of the liquid flow device 10 based on theconfigurations of the valves 24, 26, 27 as shown in FIGS. 7-12 will nowbe briefly described. In FIGS. 7-12 fluid communication blockage isrepresented by a diagonal grid pattern in the schematic symbol for thevalve.

FIG. 7 depicts a configuration of the liquid flow device 10 in which thecontrol valve 24 is in the closed configuration. Pressurized gas flowsinto gas supply passage 22A along the gas flow path GP and is blocked bythe control valve 24 from flowing into either of the pressurizationpassage 22B and the evacuation passage 22C. In the illustratedembodiment, the liquid flow device 10 is configured so that thepressurized gas dead-ends at the closed control valve, but thepressurized gas could be suitably exhausted without departing from thescope of the invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a configuration of the liquid flow device 10 in which thecontrol valve 24 is in the dispensing configuration but the modeselector valve 26 is in the evacuation mode configuration. Pressurizedgas flows along the gas flow path GP into the gas supply passage 22A,through the control valve 24, and into a segment of the pressurizationpassage 22B upstream of the mode selector valve 26, but the modeselector valve 26 blocks the gas from flowing through the pressurizationpassage into the container 12. The control valve 24 also blocks thepressurized gas from flowing into the evacuation passage 22C. In theillustrated embodiment, the liquid flow device 10 is configured so thatthe pressurized gas dead-ends at the mode selector valve 26, but thepressurized gas could be exhausted without departing from the scope ofthe invention. Providing the mode selector valve 26 in addition to thecontrol valve 24 prevents a sudden switch from the evacuation mode tothe dispensing mode by an inadvertent adjustment to the control valve 24without a corresponding adjustment being made to the mode selector valve26. The mode selector valve 26 can thus prevent the liquid flow devicefrom being used in a dispensing mode even when the control valve 24 isin the dispensing configuration. If the device 10 were operated in theconfiguration of FIG. 8 for long enough, pressure in the upstreamsegment of the pressurization passage 22B might build and automaticallyclose the pressure valve 27.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the mode selector valve 26 is switched fromthe evacuation mode configuration to the dispensing mode configurationand the control valve 24 is in the dispensing configuration, the liquidflow device 10 transitions to the dispensing mode. In the dispensingmode, pressurized gas flows along the flow path GP through the gassupply passage 22, control valve 24 (which blocks flow into theevacuation passage 22C), and pressurization passage 22B into theinterior 14 of the container 12. The pressurized gas flowing along theflow path GP builds positive pressure in the interior 14 of thecontainer 12, which forces liquid in the container to flow along aliquid flow path LP through the liquid channel 22D, thus dispensing theliquid from the device 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, if pressure in the container 12 rises and causespressure in the pressurization passage 22B to exceed a threshold, thepressure valve 27 automatically closes. With the pressure valve 27closed, the pressure valve blocks gas from flowing into the container 12through the pressurization passage 22B. In the illustrated embodiment,the liquid flow device 10 is configured so that the pressurized gasdead-ends at the pressure valve 27, but the pressurized gas could beexhausted without departing from the scope of the invention. Residualpressure in the container 12 may cause liquid to be dispensed throughthe liquid passage 22D, even while the pressure valve 27 is closed. Ifthe pressure drops below the threshold, the pressure valve 27 will open,causing the liquid flow device 10 to return to the dispensing modeconfiguration shown in FIG. 9. Based on the gas pressure in thepressurization passage 22B, the pressure valve 27 may be partially opensuch that gas flow is permitted through the pressurization passage butrestricted by the pressure valve. Accordingly, the pressure valve 27automatically limits gas pressure in the interior 14 of the container12. For example, the pressure valve 27 may be configured to close in theinclusive range of about 16 psi to about 20 psi.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the control valve 24 is adjusted to theevacuation configuration without adjusting the mode selector valve 26 tothe evacuation mode configuration, there is no fluid communicationbetween the gas supply passage 22A and the container 12. The controlvalve 24 blocks gas flow into the pressurization passage 22B and directsgas flow along the path GP into the evacuation passage 22C. The gasflows along the flow path GP through the flow restriction 28 and out theexhaust leg 22Cii, creating a vacuum pressure in the evacuation leg22Ci. However, the mode selector valve 26 blocks communication of thevacuum pressure to the interior 14 of the container 12. Thus, the liquidflow device 10 is configured to prevent a sudden switch from thedispensing mode to the evacuation mode by an inadvertent adjustment tothe control valve 24 without a corresponding adjustment also being madeto the mode selector valve 26.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the mode selector valve 26 is switched fromthe dispensing mode configuration to the evacuation mode configurationwhile the control valve 26 is in the evacuation configuration, theliquid flow device transitions to the evacuation mode. In the evacuationmode, pressurized gas flows along the flow path GP through the gassupply passage 22A, control valve 24 (which blocks flow into thepressurization passage 22B), and evacuation passage 22C. The gas flowsfurther along the flow path GP through the flow restriction 28 and outthe exhaust leg 22Cii. The gas flow through the restriction 28 creates avacuum pressure in the evacuation leg 22Ci that is communicated throughthe mode selector valve 26 and into the interior 14 of the container 12.The vacuum pressure in the container 12 creates vacuum pressure in theliquid passage 22D, which causes liquid to be drawn into the containeralong the flow path LP through the liquid passage.

Having described certain general configurations and uses of the liquidflow device 10, the components of the illustrated device will now bedescribed in greater detail. Referring to FIGS. 4-6 and 13-15, the lid20 of the illustrated device 10 comprises a one-piece lid body that isshaped and arranged to include a closure 20A, a control valve housing20B, a mode selector valve housing 20C, a gas inlet conduit 20D, a gasoutlet conduit 20E, a pressurization conduit 20F, and an evacuationconduit 20G. Desirably, the lid 20 is formed as one piece in aninjection molding process. Components of the lid can be referred to asbeing defined by a unitary piece of material, or being formed to be onepiece of material, such as a plastic material. Moreover, components ofthe lid can be referred to as non-removably fixed to each other. Theshape and arrangement of the lid 20 is amenable to injection molding andis configured for connection of additional components that enable theliquid flow device 10 to function as described above. Although theillustrated lid 20 includes various features formed as one piece ofmaterial, it will be understood that components of the lid could also beformed as separate parts without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Moreover, components illustrated as being mounted on the lidcould instead be mounted on the container.

The closure 20A of the lid 20 includes an internally threaded collarthat is configured to be threaded onto a threaded neck of the container12 and a wall that extends over the opening 26 when the collar isthreaded onto the container. The closure 20A supports an O-ring 30 thatis configured to provide a fluid seal between the lid 20 and thecontainer 12 when the lid is mounted on the container. The fluid sealprovided by the O-ring 30 is desirably maintains operating pressures inthe container interior 14 during use.

The closure 20A defines a safety valve orifice 132 and a pressure gaugeorifice 134 (FIG. 15). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a safety valve 136 ismounted on the closure 20A in communication with the interior 14 of thecontainer 12 through the safety valve orifice 132 to automaticallyrelieve pressure in the interior of the container when the pressureexceeds a threshold. Any suitable normally-closed valve that opens inresponse to a pressure in the interior 14 of the container 12 can beused for the safety valve 136. Desirably, the safety valve 136 has ahigher threshold pressure (e.g., the pressure at which the valveautomatically opens) than the pressure valve 27 and thus serves as abackup to relieve pressure if the pressure valve fails. A pressure gauge138 is mounted on the lid 20 at the pressure gauge orifice 134. Thepressure gauge 138 is fluidly connected to the interior 14 through theorifice 134 and is configured to display an indication of the pressureinside the container 12 to a user.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, the control valve housing 20B is spaced apartfrom the closure 20A along a vertical axis VA such that when the lid 20is mounted on the container 12 the closure is located between thecontrol valve housing and the container. The control valve housing 20Bhas a generally cylindrical shape that extends along a control valveaxis CVA generally perpendicular (e.g., transverse) to the vertical axisVA and defines a generally cylindrical control valve receptacle 32 thathas one open end and another substantially closed end spaced apart alongthe control valve axis. The substantially closed end of the controlvalve housing 20B defines a hole 34. As explained in further detailbelow, the control valve housing 20B is shaped and arranged to receivethe control valve 24 in the receptacle 32 such that the control valvecan be actuated through the hole 34. As will become apparent, thecontrol valve housing 20B also functions as a valve housing of thepressure valve 27.

The mode selector valve housing 20C is located between the closure 20Aand the control valve housing 20B along the vertical axis VA. The modeselector valve housing 20C includes a pair of tubes 36, 37 definingopen-ended receptacles 38, 39 extending generally parallel to a modeselector valve axis MVA. The mode selector valve axis MVA is orientedgenerally parallel to the control valve axis CVA and generallyperpendicular (e.g., transverse) to the vertical axis VA. Thereceptacles 38, 39 are spaced apart from one another in a directiongenerally perpendicular (e.g., transverse) to the vertical axis VA andthe mode selector valve axis MVA. As explained in further detail below,the mode selector valve housing 20C is shaped and arranged tooperatively receive respective portions of the mode selector valve 26 ineach of the receptacles 38, 39.

The gas supply conduit 20D extends generally along a gas supply axis GSAfrom a first (upstream) end portion including a gas supply connector20D′ that is configured to be connected to a gas supply fitting 40(e.g., a compressed air fitting; FIGS. 1-6) to a second (downstream) endportion adjoined to the control valve housing 20B. In the illustratedembodiment, the gas supply connector 20D′ is an internally threadedconnector configured to receive a male threaded connector of the gassupply fitting 40. The gas supply connector 20D′ defines a gas supplyinlet of the device 10. Other gas supply connectors (e.g., threadedmale, non-threaded male, non-threaded female, etc.) can be used insteadof the connector 20D′ without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The gas supply axis GSA extends generally perpendicular(e.g., transverse) to the vertical axis VA, the control valve axis CVA,and the mode selector valve axis MVA. The gas supply conduit 20D definesat least a portion of the gas supply passage 22A and is shaped andarranged so that the gas supply passage is in fluid communication withthe control valve receptacle 32 (FIG. 15). Pressurized gas, such ascompressed air, is supplied to the gas supply conduit 20D through thefitting 40, and the gas supply conduit directs the pressurized gas intothe control valve receptacle 32 where flow is controlled by the controlvalve 24 as described below.

The exhaust conduit 20E extends generally along an exhaust axis EA froma first (upstream) end portion that is adjoined to the control valvehousing 20B to a second (downstream) end portion that is configured tobe connected to a muffler 42 (broadly, an exhaust outlet; FIGS. 1-6). Inthe illustrated embodiment, the exhaust axis EA is substantially coaxialwith the gas supply axis GSA, but other embodiments can have otherorientations without departing from the scope of the invention. Theexhaust conduit 20E defines the exhaust leg 22Ci of the evacuationpassage 22C and is shaped and arranged so that the evacuation passage isin fluid communication with the control valve receptacle 32 (FIG. 15).When the liquid flow device 10 is used in the evacuation mode, gas isexhausted through the exhaust conduit 20E at a high flow rate. Themuffler 42 muffles the sound of the exhaust gas as it is discharged fromthe device 10.

Referring to FIG. 16, the exhaust conduit 20E is shaped and arranged toreceive the flow restrictor 28 therein. In the illustrated embodiment,the flow restrictor 28 comprises a venturi nozzle extending along theexhaust axis EA. An O-ring 44 extends around the perimeter of theventuri nozzle 28 and sealingly engages the exhaust conduit 20E aboutthe axis EA such that substantially all of the gas flowing through theexhaust leg 22Cii is directed through a restricted passage 46 of theventuri nozzle. The passage 46 comprises an upstream end portion havinga relatively small cross-sectional size (e.g., a relatively smalldiameter) and a downstream end portion adjacent the muffler 42 having alarger cross-sectional size (e.g., a larger diameter). The smallupstream end portion of the venturi passage 46 has a smallercross-sectional size than an upstream segment of the evacuation passage22C located between the control valve housing 20B and the nozzle 28.Thus the venturi nozzle 28 presents a restriction to gas flowing throughthe exhaust conduit 20E. As gas flows through the restriction, itcreates a vacuum pressure at the upstream end of the venturi nozzle 28.As explained below, an upper end of the evacuation leg 22Ci branchesfrom the exhaust conduit 20E and is aligned with the upstream end of theventuri nozzle 28 to communicate the vacuum pressure through theevacuation leg.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5 and 14, the pressurization conduit 20F extendsgenerally along a pressurization axis PA, which is oriented generallyparallel to the vertical axis VA in the illustrated embodiment. Thepressurization conduit 20F has an upstream end portion that adjoins thecontrol valve housing 20B and a downstream end portion that adjoins theclosure 20A. The tube 36 of the mode selector housing 20C crosses thepressure conduit 20F. The pressurization conduit 20F defines thepressurization passage 22B. One end of the pressurization passage 22Bdefines an opening through the control valve housing 20B and another endof the pressurization passage defines an opening (broadly, gas outlet)through the closure 20A for delivering gas to the interior 14 of thecontainer 12. Accordingly, when the lid 20 is mounted on the container12, the pressurization passage can provide fluid communication betweenthe control valve receptacle 32 and the interior 14 of the container 12.The pressurization passage 22B also defines upper and lower verticallyaligned openings through the tube 36 of the mode selector valve housing20C to provide fluid communication between upper and lower alignedsegments (e.g., having aligned or concentric gas flow axes) of thepressurization passage through the receptacle 38.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 14, and 16, the evacuation conduit 20G extendsgenerally along an evacuation axis EVA, which is oriented generallyparallel to the vertical axis VA and the pressurization axis PA in theillustrated embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the evacuation axis EVA isspaced apart from the pressurization axis PA along the gassupply/exhaust axes GSA, EA in a forward direction. The evacuation axisEVA crosses the gas supply/exhaust axes GSA, EA in the illustratedembodiment, and the pressurization axis PA is spaced apart from the gassupply/exhaust axis along the control valve axis CVA. As shown in FIGS.6, 14, and 16, the evacuation conduit 20G has an upper end portion thatadjoins the exhaust conduit 20E and a lower end portion that adjoins theclosure 20A. The tube 37 of the mode selector housing 20C crosses theevacuation conduit 20G. The evacuation conduit 20G defines theevacuation leg 23Ci of the evacuation passage 22C such that theevacuation leg includes one end that defines an opening through theexhaust conduit 20E and another end that defines an opening through theclosure 20A. Furthermore, the evacuation leg 22Ci defines upper andlower vertically aligned openings through the tube 37 of the modeselector valve housing 20C to provide fluid communication betweenupstream and downstream aligned segments (e.g., having aligned orconcentric gas flow axes) of the evacuation leg through the receptacle39. The opening of the evacuation leg 22Ci extending through the exhaustconduit 22E is aligned with the location where the venturi nozzle 28 isconfigured to generate a vacuum pressure. Accordingly, when the lid 20is mounted on the container 12, the evacuation leg 22 i can communicatethe vacuum pressure to the interior 14 of the container 12.

As shown in FIG. 6, the illustrated liquid flow device 10 also includesa float valve 201 that is operatively connected to the bottom end of theevacuation leg 22Ci of the evacuation passage 22C where the evacuationpassage opens through the closure 20A. The float valve 201 is configuredto float on liquid in the container 12. When the liquid level in theinterior 14 exceeds a threshold the valve 201 floats to a position thatcloses the evacuation leg 22Ci of the evacuation passage 22C. Thus, inthe evacuation mode of the liquid flow device 10, the float valve 201 isconfigured to automatically close the evacuation passage 22C to preventan excess of liquid from being evacuated into the container 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the liquid flow device 10 also includes anelongate liquid hose 48 outside the container 12 and a dip tube 49inside the container that together define the liquid flow passage 22D ofthe passaging 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid hose 48comprises a flexible hose having a connector 48A at a free end of thehose. When the device 10 is not in use, the connector 48A can be storedby connecting it to a mount 50 on the exhaust conduit 20E. In use, theconnector 48A may be connected to an extension such as a wand and/or anadditional tube to provide additional reach. The liquid hose 48 isattached to the container 12 at a liquid orifice formed in the wall ofthe container. The dip tube 49 is attached to the container at the sameliquid orifice. For example, outer and inner threaded or quick connectfittings may be provided at the orifice to which the liquid hose 48 anddip tube and connectable. Although the liquid hose 48 and dip tube 49are attached to the container 12 in the illustrated embodiment, it willbe understood that they also could be attached to the lid 20 or anotherstructure that supports them for fluid communication with the interiorof the container. The dip tube 49 extends downward from an end adjacentthe hose 49 to a free end located adjacent the bottom of the container12. When the lid 20 is mounted on the container 12, the interior 14 ofthe container provides fluid communication between the dip tube 49 andboth the pressurization passage 22B and evacuation passage 22C. In use,in the dispensing mode, positive pressure in the interior 14 (e.g.,pressure created by pressurized gas flowing through the pressurizationpassage 22B) drives liquid in the container to flow through the dip tube49 and hose 48 to dispense the liquid. In the evacuation mode, gasdirected through the venturi nozzle 28, the vacuum pressure iscommunicated through the evacuation passage 22C to the interior 14 ofthe container 12, and a vacuum is drawn through the dip tube 49 and thehose 48 for evacuating liquid from an outside source into the container.

Referring to FIGS. 17-20, one embodiment of a control valve 24 for beingoperatively received in the control valve housing 20B of the lid 20 willnow be described in greater detail. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontrol valve 24 comprises a rotary valve, but other types of controlvalves can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.The illustrated control valve 24 comprises a control valve body,generally indicated at reference number 60; a control valve member,generally indicated at reference number 62; and a lever 64 (broadly, anactuator) configured to pivot conjointly with the control valve memberwith respect to the control valve body and the lid 20 about the controlvalve axis CVA through a range of motion to selectively actuate thecontrol valve. As explained below, the lever 64 is configured to pivotthe control valve member 62 to at least one dispensing position, atleast one evacuation position, and at least one closed position to openand close fluid communication paths through the control valve body 60between the gas supply passage 22A and each of the pressurizationpassage 22B and the evacuation passage 22C.

Referring to FIGS. 21-24, the illustrated control valve body 60 has agenerally cylindrical side wall that extends along the control valveaxis CVA between a first end portion 60A and an opposite second endportion 60B of the control valve body. A mounting flange 66 extendsradially outward from the side wall at a location adjacent the secondend portion 60B. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the illustrated controlvalve body 60 is configured to be operatively received in a mountingsleeve 80, which is sealingly received inside the receptacle 32 of thecontrol valve housing 20B as shown in FIGS. 4-6. Seal grooves 68, 70extend around the perimeter of the control valve body 60 about thecontrol valve axis CVA at locations adjacent the ends of the sleeve 80for receiving O-rings 68A, 70A therein. The O-rings 68A, 70A areconfigured to provide fluid seals between the control valve body 60 andthe sleeve 80 that extend in continuous hoops about the control valveaxis CVA. In the assembled liquid flow device 10, the control valve body60 and sleeve 80 are inserted into the control valve housing 20B so thatthe first end portion 60A of the control valve body is located adjacentthe hole 34. The flange 64 is located adjacent the opposite open end ofthe control valve housing 20B and is fastened to the housing to fix thecontrol valve body 60 in position with respect to the lid 20.

Referring to FIGS. 23-24, the control valve body defines channeling,generally indicated at 82, for being fluidly connected to the passaging22. The channeling 82 comprises a gas supply channel 82A shaped andarranged for fluid communication with the gas supply passage 22A, apressurization channel 82B shaped and arranged for fluid communicationwith the pressurization passage 22B, and an evacuation channel 82Cshaped and arranged for fluid communication with the evacuation passage22C. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressurization channel 82Bextends generally in a plane (e.g., the plane through which the sectionof FIG. 23 is taken) and the evacuation 82C channel extends generally ina plane (e.g., the plane through which the section of FIG. 24 is taken)generally perpendicular to the plane of the pressurization channel. Thechanneling 82 further includes a pressure valve channel 82D for use withthe pressure valve 27 as described in greater detail below.

The gas supply channel 82A includes an upstream end defining an inletopening 82Ai through the side wall of the control valve body 60. Theinlet opening 82Ai of the gas supply channel 82A is aligned with a hole82Ai′ formed in the sleeve 80 (see FIG. 30). A groove 72 positions anO-ring 72A about the inlet opening 82Ai to provide a sealed connectionbetween the inlet opening and the aligned hole 82Ai′. The opening 82Aiand the hole 82Ai′ are aligned with the downstream end of the gas supplyconduit 20D, where the gas supply passage 22A opens through the controlvalve housing 20B. Thus, the inlet opening 82Ai of the gas supplychannel is in fluid communication with the gas supply passage 22A. Fromthe inlet opening 82Ai, the channel 82A extends radially inward withrespect to the control valve axis CVA along an upstream segment toward adownstream segment that extends generally along the control valve axistoward the first end portion 60A of the control valve body 60. The gassupply channel 82A includes an outlet opening 82Aii through the firstend portion 60A of the control valve body 60 that is located on thecontrol valve axis CVA.

Referring to FIG. 23, the pressurization channel 82B includes an enddefining an inlet opening 82Bi through the first end portion 60A of thecontrol valve body 60. The inlet opening 82Bi is spaced radially outwardof the outlet opening 82Aii of the gas supply channel 82A. As will beexplained in further detail below, the control valve member 62 isconfigured to be moved to a dispensing position in which the controlvalve member provides fluid communication between the outlet opening82Aii of the gas supply channel 82A and the inlet opening 82Bi of thepressurization channel 82B. From the inlet opening 82Bi, thepressurization channel 82B extends away from the first end portion 60Aof the control valve body 60 along an upstream segment in a directiongenerally parallel to the control valve axis CVA. From the upstreamsegment, the pressurization channel 82B extends radially inward along afirst intermediate segment. The first intermediate segment has an outerend that defines a manufacturing opening 82Bii, which is sealed at theinterface with the sleeve 80 by an O-ring 73A received in a groove 73.The manufacturing opening 82Bii thus does not provide fluidcommunication with the passaging 22. A second intermediate segmentextends from the inner end of the first intermediate segment along theaxis CVA toward the second end portion 60B of the control valve body 60.As will be explained in further detail below, the pressure valve channel82D extends generally along the control valve axis CVA and intersectsthe pressurization channel 82B between this second intermediate segmentand a downstream segment of the pressurization channel. The downstreamsegment extends radially outward to an outlet opening 82Biii formed inthe side of the control valve body 60. The outlet opening 82Biii of thepressurization channel 82B is aligned with a hole 82Biii′ formed in thesleeve 80 (see FIG. 29). A groove 74 positions an O-ring 74A about theoutlet opening 82Biii to provide a sealed connection between the outletopening and the aligned hole 82Biii′. The opening 82Biii and the hole82Biii′ are aligned with the upstream end of the pressurization conduit20F, where the pressurization passage 22B opens through the controlvalve housing 20B. Thus, the outlet opening 82Biii of the pressurizationchannel 82B is in fluid communication with the pressurization passage22B.

Referring to FIG. 24, the evacuation channel 82C includes an upstreamend defining an inlet opening 82Ci through the first end portion 60A ofthe control valve body 60. The inlet opening 82Ci is spaced radiallyoutward of the outlet opening 82Aii of the gas supply channel 82A and iscircumferentially spaced from the inlet opening 82Bi of thepressurization channel 82B about the control valve axis CVA. As will beexplained in further detail below, the control valve member 62 isconfigured to be moved to an evacuation position in which the controlvalve member provides fluid communication between the outlet opening82Aii of the gas supply channel 82A and the inlet opening 82Ci of theevacuation channel 82C. From the inlet opening 82Ci, the evacuationchannel 82C extends away from the first end portion 60A along anupstream segment in a direction generally parallel to the control valveaxis CVA. From the upstream segment, the evacuation channel extendsradially outward along a downstream segment to an outlet opening 82Ciiformed in the side wall of the control valve body 60. The outlet opening82Cii of the evacuation channel 82C is aligned with a hole 82Cii′ formedin the sleeve 80 (see FIG. 30). A groove 76 positions an O-ring 76Aabout the outlet opening 82Cii to provide a sealed connection betweenthe outlet opening and the aligned hole 82Cii′ in the sleeve 80. Theopening 82Cii and the hole 82Cii′ are aligned with the upstream end ofthe exhaust conduit 20E, where the evacuation passage 22C opens throughthe control valve housing 20B. Thus, the outlet opening 82Cii of theevacuation channel 82C is in fluid communication with the exhaustpassage 22C.

Referring to FIG. 21, the first end portion 60A of the illustratedcontrol valve body 60 is shaped and arranged to define a bearing recess83 and also an arcuate guide groove 84. As explained below the recess 83and guide groove 84 are used to constrain the control valve member 62 topivot about the control valve axis CVA. The recess 83 is generallycylindrical and extends around the outlet opening 82Aii of the gassupply channel 82A. The groove 84 is spaced radially outwardly from therecess 83 and is located circumferentially between the inlet openings82Bi, 82Ci of the pressurization and evacuation channels 82B, 82C.

Referring to FIGS. 25-27, the control valve member includes a head 86and a stem 88 that extends away from the head along the control valveaxis CVA. An end segment of the stem 88 has a cross-sectional shape thatdefines a locking formation (e.g., one or more flats on a perimetersurface) that is configured for being lockingly engaged with the lever64 to connect the control valve member to the lever for conjointrotation about the control valve axis CVA. The end segment of the stem88 also defines a socket 89 for receiving the shank of a screw 90 (FIG.20) for fastening the control valve member 62 to the lever 64. Aninboard segment of the stem 88 is shaped and arranged for beingpivotably received in the hole 34 in the control valve housing 20B ofthe lid 20, as shown in FIG. 29. When the control valve 24 is installedin the lid 20, the head 86 is received in the receptacle 32, the inboardsegment of the stem 88 extends through the hole 34, and the end segmentof the stem is connected to the lever 64 outside of the receptacle. Asshown in FIG. 25, the inboard segment of the stem 88 defines an annulargroove 92 for receiving an O-ring 92A (FIG. 20) configured for sealingthe interface between the control valve housing 20B and the stem 88 atthe hole 34. The O-ring 92A is configured to provide a fluid seal thatwithstands the operating pressures of pressurized gas used in the liquidflow device 10.

Referring to FIG. 27, the head 86 of the control valve member 62 has alarge flange 86A that defines an end face 86Ai of the control valvemember 62. An annular groove 94 is formed about the perimeter of theflange 86A for receiving an O-ring 94A as shown in FIG. 20. The O-ring94A is shaped and arranged for providing a fluid seal between thecontrol valve member 62 and the sleeve 80 that extends circumferentiallyabout the control valve axis CVA. The O-ring 94A is configured toprovide a fluid seal that withstands the operating pressures ofpressurized gas used in the liquid flow device 10.

A generally cylindrical bearing stud 86B extends generally along thecontrol valve axis CVA from the end face 86Ai of the flange 86A. Thebearing stud 86B is configured for being rotatably received in thebearing recess 83 of the control valve body 60. The bearing stud 86Bdefines a groove 97 configured for receiving an O-ring 97A (FIG. 20)that provides a fluid seal about the axis CVA between the bearing studand the control valve body 60 at the bearing recess. The O-ring 97A isconfigured to provide a fluid seal that withstands the operatingpressures of pressurized gas used in the liquid flow device 10. A guidestud 93 also extends from the end face 82Ai in a direction generallyparallel to the axis CVA. The guide stud 93 is sized and arranged forbeing slidably received in the arcuate guide groove 84 formed in the endportion 60A of the control valve body 60. When the bearing stud 86B isrotatably received in the bearing recess 83, the control valve member 62is generally constrained to move only in rotation about the controlvalve axis CVA with respect to the control valve body 60. As the controlvalve member 62 pivots with respect to the control valve body 60 aboutthe axis CVA, the guide stud 93 slides through the arcuate groove 84.The ends of the groove 84 thus define the ends of the range of motion ofthe control valve member 92 with respect to the control valve body 90.

The head 86 of the control valve member 62 also includes a hub 86C onthe opposite side of the flange 86A from the bearing stud 86B. The hub86C has a smaller cross-sectional shape than the flange 86A. The hub 86Cis suitably shaped and arranged for defining an annular cavity 95 thatextends circumferentially around the hub and radially between the huband the sleeve 80 in the assembled control valve (FIG. 20). The cavity95 has ends spaced apart along the control valve axis CVA that aresealed by the O-rings 92A, 94A (FIG. 29).

Referring to FIG. 27, the control valve member 62 defines channeling,generally indicated at 102, which is configured for selectivelyproviding fluid communication between the gas supply channel 82A andeither of the pressurization channel 82B and the evacuation channel 82Cof the control valve body 60. The channeling 102 includes a gas supplyconnection channel 102A in fluid communication with the gas supplychannel 82A of the control valve body 60 and a downstream connectionchannel 102B. The gas supply connection channel 102A includes anupstream segment extending generally along the control valve axis CVAfrom an inlet opening 102Ai formed in the end of the bearing stud 86B.The inlet opening 102Ai is aligned with the outlet opening 82Aii of thegas supply channel 82 such that the gas supply channel and the gassupply connection channel 102A fluidly communicate through the alignedopenings. A downstream segment of the gas supply connection channel 102Aextends radially outward from the upstream segment to an outlet opening102Aii extending radially through the hub 86C. The outlet opening 102Aiiprovides fluid communication with the annular cavity 95. The gas supplyconnection channel 102A thus provides fluid communication between thegas supply channel 82A and the annular cavity 95. Moreover, because theinlet opening 102Ai of the gas supply connection channel 102A and theoutlet opening 82Aii of the gas supply channel 82A are aligned along thecontrol valve axis CVA, fluid communication between the gas supplyconnection channel and the gas supply channel is maintained even as thecontrol valve member 82 pivots through its range of motion about thecontrol valve axis.

The downstream connection channel 102B extends generally parallel to thecontrol valve axis CVA through the flange 86A at a location spacedradially outward from the control valve axis. The downstream connectionchannel 120B defines an inlet opening 102Bi in fluid communication withthe cavity 95 and an outlet opening 102Bii through the end face 86Ai ofthe flange 86A. In certain positions of the control valve member 62 inits range of motion, the outlet opening 102Bii is configured to be influid communication with the inlet openings 82Bi and 82Ci of thepressurization channel 82B and the evacuation channel 82C as explainedbelow.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 20, the control valve 24 includes an end seal96 fixed to the control valve body 60 between the first end portion 60Aof the control valve body and the end face 86Ai of the control valvemember 62 to provide a seal therebetween. The end seal 96 is disc-shapedand defines a central opening 96A shaped and arranged for receiving thebearing stud 86B therethrough. The end seal 96 also defines apressurization opening 96B and an evacuation opening 96C that are shapedand arranged for being operatively aligned with the inlet openings 82Bi,82Ci of the pressurization channel 82B and the evacuation channel 82C.The end seal 96 further defines an arcuate slot 96D that is shaped andarranged for being aligned with the guide groove 84. The slot 96D isconfigured so that the guide stud 93 can travel through the slot 96D asit slides through the groove 84 when the control valve member 62 pivotsin its range of motion. The seal provided by the O-ring 97 directs allgas passing through the gas supply channel 82A into the gas supplyconnection channel 102A. The gas supply connection channel 102A directsgas into the cavity 95, which is sealed such that gas in the cavityflows into the downstream connection channel 102B. The end seal 96 sealsthe downstream connection channel 102B except to the extent that theoutlet opening 102Bii is aligned with the inlet opening 82Bi, 82Ci ofone of the pressurization channel 82B and the evacuation channel 82C. Tothe extent the outlet opening 102Bii is aligned with an inlet opening82Bi, 82Ci, the end seal 96 allows fluid communication between thedownstream connection channel 102B and the respective channel 82B, 82C.

Referring to FIGS. 17-20, the lever 64 has an inverted U-shape thatincludes a first end portion 64A, an opposite second end portion 64B ata location spaced apart from the first end portion along the controlvalve axis CVA, and a middle connecting portion 64C extendingtherebetween at a location spaced radially outward from control valveaxis. Each of the first and second portions 64A, 64B is configured to bemounted on the lid 20 outside of the control valve housing 20B (FIG.29). The first end portion 64A defines an opening 64Ai (FIG. 20) forlockingly receiving the end segment of the stem 88 therein. A cap 108 isconfigured to be mounted on the first end portion to cover the screw 90.The second end portion 64B of the lever 64 defines a cavity 64Bi forreceiving the second end portion 60B of the control valve body 60. Thesecond end portion 64B also supports the pressure valve 27 inside thecontrol valve 24 as described in further detail below. A user can pushthe middle portion 64C of the lever 64 using a finger or hand, and thelever and control valve member 62 will pivot conjointly with respect tothe control valve body 60 and lid 20 about the control valve axis CVA.

The range of motion of the control valve 24 and operative configurationsof the control valve within the range of motion will now be described inreference to FIGS. 28-36. Referring to FIGS. 28-30, in a closedconfiguration, the lever 64 is pivoted to the upright orientation shownin FIG. 28. As explained below, the lever 64 can be pivoted from theclosed position in a dispensing direction DD toward a dispensingposition or an evacuation direction ED toward an evacuation position.Thus, the closed position (FIG. 28) is located along the range of motionof the lever 64 between a dispensing position (FIG. 31) and anevacuation position (FIG. 34). When the lever 64 is in the closedposition, the lever positions the control valve member 62 in the closedposition, and thus adjusts the control valve 24 to be in the closedconfiguration. As explained above in reference to FIG. 7, in the closedconfiguration, the control valve is configured to block fluidcommunication between the gas supply passage 22A and both thepressurization passage 22B and the evacuation passage 22C. As shown inFIGS. 28 and 29, in the closed position, the control valve member 62 isarranged so that the downstream connection channel 102B is not alignedwith either of the inlet openings 82Bi, 82Ci of the pressurizationchannel 82B and the evacuation channel 82C. Accordingly, in the closedconfiguration of the control valve 24, pressurized gas can flow alongthe gas flow path GP from the gas supply passage 22A, through the gassupply channel 82A and the gas supply connection channel 102A, into theannular cavity 95 and the downstream connection channel 102B, but theend seal 96 blocks the gas from flowing from the downstream connectionchannel into either of the pressurization channel 82B or the evacuationchannel 82C.

Referring to FIGS. 31-33, the control valve 24 can be adjusted to adispensing configuration by pivoting the lever 64 in a dispensingdirection DD. FIG. 31 shows one dispensing position of the lever 64 thatadjusts the control valve 24 to be in the dispensing configuration. Asthe lever 64 pivots in the dispensing direction DD to the dispensingposition, the control valve member 62 pivots conjointly with the lever64 to a corresponding dispensing position. As shown in FIG. 32, in adispensing position, the control valve member 62 is oriented so that thedownstream connection channel 102B is aligned with the inlet opening82Bi of the pressurization channel 82B. As shown in FIG. 33, in adispensing position, the control valve member 62 is oriented so that thedownstream connection channel 102B is not aligned with the inlet opening82Ci of the evacuation channel 82C. Accordingly, in a dispensingconfiguration of the control valve 24, pressurized gas can flow alongthe gas flow path GP from the gas supply passage 22A through the gassupply channel 82A, the gas supply connection channel 102A, the annularcavity 95, and the downstream connection channel 102B and into thepressurization channel 82B. With the pressure valve 27 in the openconfiguration (discussed below), the gas flow path GP extends throughthe pressurization channel 82B into the pressurization passage 22B. Withthe mode selector valve 26 in the dispensing mode position, the gas flowpath GP extends into the container interior 14 to drive liquid flow outof the container along the flow path LP through the liquid flow passage22D defined by the dip tube 49 and liquid hose 48.

In the dispensing configuration, the lever 64 can be pivoted inrelatively small increments in the dispensing direction DD to increasethe flow rate along the gas flow path GP and in the evacuation directionED to decrease the flow rate. Pivoting the lever 64 adjusts an angularposition of the downstream connection channel 102B with respect to theinlet opening 82Bi of the pressurization channel 82B. Changing therelative angular position adjusts a size of the overlap between theoutlet opening 102Bii of the downstream connection channel 102B and theinlet opening 82Bi of the pressurization channel 82B. The flow ratealong the gas flow path GP in the dispensing configuration isproportional to the size of the overlap between the openings 102Bii and82Bi. A full throttle dispensing position of the control valve 24 isreached when the lever is pivoted in the dispensing direction DD untilthe guide stud 93 of the control valve member 62 engages the controlvalve body 60 at the end of the guide groove 84. It will be appreciatedthat partially opening the control valve 24 in the dispensing mode willnot usually merely decrease the time to achieve the threshold pressurein the interior 14 of the container 12 and will not effectively decreasethe pressure at which liquid is dispensed. Even with the control valve24 at less than fully open, gas pressure will build rapidly in thecontainer 12, and the pressure valve 27 will control the dispensingpressure, which will usually be substantially constant. Accordingly, auser will likely adjust the valve 24 to fully open and permit thepressure valve 27 to operate as explained in further detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 34-36, the control valve 24 can be adjusted to anevacuation configuration by pivoting the lever 64 in the evacuationdirection ED. FIG. 34 shows one evacuation position of the lever 64 thatadjusts the control valve to be in the evacuation configuration. Whenthe lever 64 moves in the evacuation direction ED to the evacuationposition, the control valve member 62 pivots conjointly with the lever64 to a corresponding evacuation position. As shown in FIG. 35, in anevacuation position, the control valve member 62 is oriented so that thedownstream connection channel 102B is not aligned with the inlet opening82Bi of the pressurization channel 82B. As shown in FIG. 36, in anevacuation position, the control valve member 62 is oriented so that thedownstream connection channel 102B is aligned with the inlet opening82Ci of the evacuation channel 82C. Accordingly, in an evacuationconfiguration of the control valve 24, pressurized gas can flow alongthe gas flow path GP from the gas supply passage 22A through the gassupply channel 82A, the gas supply connection channel 102A, the annularcavity 95, and the downstream connection channel 102B and into theevacuation channel 82C. The gas flow path GP extends through theevacuation channel 82C into the evacuation passage 22C, creating avacuum pressure in the evacuation leg 22Ci and exhausting gas throughthe muffler 42. With the mode selector valve 26 in the evacuation modeposition, the vacuum pressure is communicated through the containerinterior 14 to the liquid flow passage 22D to draw liquid from anoutside source along the flow path LP through the liquid hose 48 and diptube 49 into the container 12.

In the evacuation configuration, the lever 64 can be pivoted inrelatively small increments in the evacuation direction ED to increasethe flow rate along the gas flow path GP and in the dispensing directionDD to decrease the flow rate. Pivoting the lever 64 adjusts an angularposition of the downstream connection channel 102B with respect to theevacuation channel 82C, which adjusts a size of the overlap between theoutlet opening 102Bii of the downstream connection channel and the inletopening 82Ci of the evacuation channel. The flow rate along the gas flowpath GP in the evacuation configuration is proportional to the size ofthe overlap between these openings 102Bii, 82Ci. A full throttleevacuation position of the control valve 24 is reached when the lever 64is pivoted in the evacuation direction ED until the guide stud 93 of thecontrol valve member 62 engages the control valve body 60 at the end ofthe guide groove 84. Accordingly, adjusting the lever 64 in theevacuation configuration increases or decreases the vacuum pressuregenerated by the flow restrictor 28 to adjust the rate at which liquidis drawn through the hose 48 into the container 12.

Referring again to FIGS. 18 and 20, in the illustrated embodiment thepressure valve 27 is located within the control valve 24. As explainedabove, when the control valve 24 is in the dispensing configuration, thepressure valve 27 is configured to increasingly block fluidcommunication along the pressurization passage 22B in response toincreased pressure in the pressurization passage to limit pressure inthe container 12. As will be explained below, the illustrated pressurevalve 27 accomplishes this by automatically closing the pressurizationchannel 82B in the control valve body 60 when a pressure in thepressurization passage 22B exceeds a threshold.

As explained above, the control valve body 60 defines a pressure valvechannel 82D that intersects the pressurization channel 82B at a locationwhere the pressurization channel changes direction. Thus in theillustrated embodiment, the control valve body 60 also functions as apressure valve body. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, thepressure valve channel 82D extends along a pressure valve axis PVA thatis coaxial with the control valve axis CVA. In other embodiments, thepressure valve body could be formed separately from the control valvebody and/or the pressure valve channel could have another configurationwithout departing from the scope of the invention. An outboard segmentof the body 60 adjacent the end portion 60B defines a large diameter,generally cylindrical segment 80Di of the pressure valve channel 80D,and an inboard portion of the body defines a smaller diameter, generallycylindrical segment 80Dii. A shoulder 110 extends radially (e.g.,transverse to the pressure valve channel 80D) between the large andsmall diameter segments 80Di, 80Dii, and the body 60 defines a pressurevalve seat 112 at an inboard end of the pressure valve channel 82D. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the pressure valve seat 112 includes atapered (e.g., generally conical) surface.

The small diameter segment 80Dii of the pressure valve channel 80Dprovides fluid communication between transverse segments of thepressurization channel 82B. In the illustrated embodiment, thedownstream segment of the pressurization channel 82B extends transverseto the pressure valve channel 82D in a generally radial direction froman opening at the small diameter segment 82Dii of the pressure valvechannel 82D located adjacent the pressure valve seat 112 toward theoutlet opening 82Biii. The pressure valve seat 112 extendscircumferentially about an opening between the second intermediatesegment of the pressurization channel 82B and the small diameter segment80Dii of the pressure valve channel 80D. The second intermediate segmentof the pressurization channel 80B extends away from the pressure valveseat 112 toward the first end portion 60A of the control valve body 60in a direction extending generally along the pressure valve axis PVA.

The pressure valve 27 comprises a pressure valve member, generallyindicated at 114, which is movably received in the pressure valvechannel 82D, a spring 116 configured to bias the pressure valve memberto an open position, and a cap 118 configured to hold the spring andpressure valve member inside the pressure valve channel. The illustratedcap 118 is sized for being mounted in a recess 120 formed in the secondend portion 60B of the control valve body 60 over an open outer end ofthe pressure valve channel 82. An O-ring 122 is configured to seal aninterface between the cap 118 and the second end portion 60B, and thecap is held in the recess 120 by the second end portion 64B of the lever64.

The pressure valve member 114 is separate from the control valve body 60and configured to automatically increasingly block fluid flow throughthe pressurization channel 82B in response to increasing pressure in thepressurization passage 22B. The pressure valve member 114 includes ashaft 124 extending generally along the pressure valve axis PVA. Theshaft 124 has a first end portion 124A or plug defining a sealingsurface (e.g., a conical sealing surface that tapers to a point) shapedand arranged for sealing engagement with the valve seat 112. An enlargedpressure head 126 extends radially outward from a second end portion124B of the shaft 124. A shaft O-ring 127 received in a groove 128 aboutthe shaft 124 provides a fluid seal between the shaft and the controlvalve body 60 at the small diameter segment 80Dii of the pressure valvechannel 80D, and a head O-ring 129 received in a groove 130 about thehead 126 provides a fluid seal between the head and the control valvebody at the large diameter segment 80Di. The O-rings 127, 129 areconfigured to allow sliding movement of the pressure valve member 114along the pressure valve axis PVA through the channel 82D whilemaintaining the respective fluid seals. Thus, the shaft 124 is sealinglyand slidably engaged with control valve body 60 at small diametersegment 80Dii of the pressure valve channel 80D and the head 126 issealingly and slidably engaged with the control valve body at the largediameter segment 80Di. The spring 118 comprises a compression springthat is operatively received (e.g., compressed) between the shoulder 110and a spring face 126A of the head 126. The spring 118 biases thepressure valve member 114 outward in a biasing direction BD along thepressure valve axis PVA toward the open position illustrated in FIG. 20in which the end portion 124A of the shaft 124 is spaced apart from theseat 112.

The pressure valve 27 is configured to communicate pressure in thepressurization passage 22B to a pressure surface 126B of the pressurehead 128. The pressure valve member 114 defines a pressure valve memberchannel 140, which extends from a first end portion at an opening 140Athrough the side of the shaft 124 to a second end portion at an opening140B through the pressure surface 126B. The pressure surface 126 isslightly concave and defines a cavity 142 between the pressure head 126and the cap 118 for receiving fluid therein. The pressure valve channel140 provides fluid communication between the pressurization channel 82Band the cavity 142 behind the pressure surface 126B. Pressure in thepressurization passage 22B is communicated through the pressurizationchannel 82B and the pressure valve member passage into the cavity 142.

Pressure in the cavity 142 imparts a force on the pressure valve member114 in a direction opposite the biasing direction BD, against thebiasing of the spring 116. When the pressure increases, the force causesthe pressure valve member 114 to increasingly slide opposite the biasingdirection BD through the pressure valve channel 82D against the biasingof the spring 116 toward the valve seat 112. When the pressure in thecavity 142 reaches a threshold pressure, the valve member 114 is movedagainst the biasing of the spring 116 to a closed position in which thefirst end portion 124A of the shaft 124 sealingly engages the seat 112.In the closed position, pressure valve member 114 blocks fluidcommunication through the pressurization channel 82B at the valve seat112 and thus blocks fluid communication between the gas supply passage22A and the pressurization passage 22B. In the illustrated embodiment,the pressure valve 27 can be referred to as a needle valve.

The arrangement is such that if pressure increases inside the container12 when the liquid flow device 10 is operating in the dispensing mode,that pressure is communicated through the pressurization passage 22B,pressurization channel 82B, and pressure valve member channel 140 to thepressure surface 126B of the pressure valve 27. As pressure increases inthe interior 14 of the container 12, the pressure valve member 114 movesincreasingly toward the valve seat 112. When the pressure in theinterior 14 exceeds the threshold, the fluid pressure acting on thepressure surface 126B moves the pressure valve member 114 to the closedposition in which it blocks pressurized gas from flowing through thepressurization channel 82B. Assuming there is no blockage of the liquidpassage 22D (e.g., no closed additional valve in the liquid passage 22D)and no blockage in the pressurization passage 22B, after the pressurevalve 27 closes, fluid in the interior 14 of the container 12 will flowout of the liquid flow device 10 through the liquid passage and thepressure in the pressurization passage and thus the cavity 142 willdecrease. As the pressure decreases in the cavity 142, the spring forcesthe pressure valve member 114 in the biasing direction BD to open fluidcommunication through the pressurization channel 82D. It will beappreciated, that in operation, the valve 27 may operate in a partiallyopen configuration and will normally operate to provide a substantiallyconstant liquid dispensing pressure.

Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, in the illustrated embodiment, the modeselector valve 26 comprises two manual sliding-spool valves configuredfor inversely opening and closing the pressurization passage 22B and theevacuation passage 22C. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the mode selectorvalve 26 includes a mode selector valve body formed by the mode selectorvalve housing 20C and first and second tubes 146, 147 that are sealinglyreceived in the receptacles 38, 39 of the mode selector valve housing.In addition, the mode selector valve comprises a mode selector valvemember, generally indicated at 150, which is configured for movementwith respect to the mode selector valve body along the mode selectorvalve axis MVA through a range of motion. As explained below, the bodyof the mode selector valve 26 is fluidly connected to the passaging 22,and the valve member 150 is configured to be selectively positioned in adispensing mode position (FIGS. 41 and 42) in which the valve membercloses the evacuation passage 22C and opens the pressurization passage22B and an evacuation mode position (FIGS. 39 and 40) in which the valvemember closes the pressurization passage and opens the evacuationpassage. Other types of mode selector valves can be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Moreover, it will beappreciated that the illustrated mode selector valve 26, or aspectsthereof, can be used in other types of fluid flow devices than theillustrated liquid flow device 10.

Referring to FIG. 39, the first tube 146 is sealingly received in thetube 36 of the mode selector valve housing 20C, which crosses thepressurization passage 22B. The first tube 146 defines a first selectorvalve channel 156 that extends generally parallel to the mode selectorvalve axis MVA between opposite open ends. The first tube 146 crossesthe pressurization passage 22B and includes first and second holes 158,160 at circumferentially spaced locations that are respectively alignedwith first and second segments of the pressurization passage 22B (e.g.,upper and lower segments, upstream and downstream segments, etc.). Theholes 158, 169 provide fluid communication between the pressurizationpassage 22B and the first selector valve channel 156.

Referring to FIG. 40, the second tube 147 is sealingly received in thetube 37 of the mode selector valve housing 20C, which crosses theevacuation leg 22Ci of the evacuation passage 22C. The second tube 147defines a second selector valve channel 157 that extends generallyparallel to the mode selector valve axis MVA between opposite open endsat a location spaced apart from the first selector valve channel 156.The second tube 147 crosses the evacuation leg 22Ci of the evacuationpassage 22C and includes first and second holes 159, 161 atcircumferentially spaced locations that are respectively aligned withfirst and second segments of the evacuation leg 22Ci of the evacuationpassage 22C (e.g., upper and lower segments, downstream and upstreamsegments, etc.). The holes 159, 161 provide fluid communication betweenthe evacuation leg 22Ci and the second selector valve channel 157.

Referring to FIGS. 38-40, the assembled valve member 150 generallyincludes first and second spools 150A, 150B (broadly, valve memberportions) shaped and arranged for sliding movement in the selector valvechannels 156, 157. The first spool 150A is configured to be sealinglyand slidably received in the first selector valve channel 156 and thesecond spool 150B is configured to be sealingly and slidably received inthe second selector valve channel 157. Each spool 150A, 150B extendsalong a respective axis GPA1, GPA2 from a first end segment 150Ai, 150Bito a second end segment 150Aii, 150Bii and has a middle segment 150Aiii,150Biii (broadly, groove) between the respective first and second endsegments. The first end segments 150Ai of the first spool 150A isconnected to the second end segment 150Bii of the second spool 150B by afirst bridge 150C that defines a first end of the valve member 150, andthe second end segments 150Aii of the first spool and the first endsegment 150Bi of the second spool are connected by a second bridge 150Dthat defines a second end of the valve member. The bridges 150C, 150Dconnect the spools 150A, 150A such that the valve member 150 is slidableas a single unit through its range of motion along the mode selectorvalve axis MVA. In addition, outward facing major surfaces of thebridges 150C, 150D define pushing surfaces of the valve member 150 foruse in manually actuating the mode selector valve 26 by pushing thevalve member to slide along the axis MVA as described below. During useof the mode selector valve 26, the first spool 150A and the second spool150B slide conjointly through the respective channels 156, 157 to adjustthe mode selector valve between the dispensing mode and evacuation modeconfigurations.

Referring still to FIGS. 38-40, in the assembled valve member 150, thefirst and second spools 150A, 150B have inverted orientations, but areotherwise the same. Thus, the first end segment 150Ai of the first spool150A has similar features to the first end segment 150Bi of the secondspool 150B, but in an opposite orientation; the second end segment150Aii of the first spool has similar features to the second end segment150Bii of the second spool, but in an opposite orientation; and themiddle segments 150Aiii, 150Biii have similar features but in oppositeorientations. The inverted orientations of the first and second spools150A, 150B configures the valve member 150 so that, when the valvemember 150 is in the dispensing mode position (FIGS. 41-42), the firstspool permits flow along the pressurization passage 22B and the secondspool blocks flow along the evacuation leg 22Ci. And likewise, when thevalve member 150 is in the evacuation mode position (FIGS. 39, 40), thefirst spool 150A blocks flow through the pressurization passage 22B andthe second spool 150B permits flow through the evacuation leg 22Ci.

Referring to FIGS. 39-42, each of the first end segments 150Ai, 150Bi ofthe spools 150A, 150B has a generally cylindrical outer surface (e.g., agenerally circular cross-sectional shape) having a diameter that issized and arranged for being slidably received in the respective one ofthe first and second selector valve channels 156, 157 in a relativelyclose tolerance fit with the respective tube 146, 147. A channel sealO-ring 162 (broadly, seal or land) extends about the first end segment150Ai of the first spool 150A and a substantially identical channel sealO-ring 162′ (broadly, seal or land) extends about the first end segment150Bi of the second spool 150B. The channel seal O-ring 162 sealinglyengages the tube 146 along a continuous hoop that, in the illustratedembodiment, extends generally in a first channel sealing plane CSP1oriented substantially perpendicular to first spool axis GPA1. Likewise,the channel seal O-ring 162′ sealingly engages the tube 147 along acontinuous hoop that extends generally in a second channel sealing planeCSP2 oriented substantially perpendicular to the second spool axis GPA2.

Each of the second end segment 150Aii of the first spool 150A and thesecond end segment 150Bii of the second spool 150B also has a generallycylindrical outer surface (e.g., a generally circular cross-sectionalshape) having a diameter that is sized and arranged for being slidablyreceived in the respective channel 156, 157 in a relatively closetolerance fit with the respective tube 146, 157. A passage seal O-ring164, 164′ (broadly, seal or land) extends about each spool 150A, 150B atthe inboard end of the respective end segment 150Aii, 150Bii. Eachpassage seal O-ring 164, 164′ is spaced apart along the respective spoolaxis GPA1, GPA2 from the respective channel seal O-ring 162, 162′. Asshown in FIG. 39, the passage seal O-ring 164 is configured to sealinglyengage the tube 146 across the pressurization passage 22B to block fluidflow along the pressurization passage when the mode selector valve 26 isin the evacuation mode position. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 42, thepassage seal O-ring 164′ is configured to sealingly engage the tube 147across the evacuation leg 22Ci to block fluid flow along the evacuationleg when the mode selector valve is in the dispensing mode position.

Thus each passage seal O-ring 164, 164′ is configured to sealinglyengage the respective tube 146, 147 continuously about a sealing hoopthat includes at least a portion extending transverse to the respectiveone of the pressurization passage 22B and the exhaust leg 22Ci of theexhaust passage 22C. More specifically, the sealing hoop of the passageseal O-ring 164 is oriented substantially in a first passage seal planePSP1 (FIG. 39) extending at a skew angle α1 with respect to the firstspool axis GPA1. The sealing hoop of the passage seal O-ring 164′extends in a second passage seal plane PSP2 (FIG. 40) extending at askew angle α2 with respect to the second spool axis GPA2. For example,in the illustrated embodiment, each of the skew angles α1, α2 is lessthan 90° and is in an inclusive range of from about 20° to about 70°,and more desirably in an inclusive range of from about 30° to about 60°(e.g., about) 45°, and the second passage seal plane PSP2 slopes in anopposite direction with respect to the first passage seal plane PSP1.The skew angles α1, α2 are selected so that each substantially planarpassage seal O-ring 164, 164′ extends fully across the respective one ofthe pressurization passage 22B and the exhaust leg 22Ci. Thus, as shownin FIG. 39, when the mode selector valve 26 is in the evacuation modeconfiguration, the passage seal O-ring 164 prevents fluid from flowingthrough the pressurization passage 22B and the gas flow path GP ends atthe passage seal O-ring. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 42, when the modeselector valve 26 is in the dispensing mode configuration, the passageseal O-ring 164′ prevents fluid from flowing through the exhaust leg22Ci and the gas flow path GP ends at the passage seal O-ring.

Each of the middle segments 150Aiii, 150Biii (broadly, grooves) of thespools 150A, 150B has a generally cylindrical outer surface that has adiameter that is substantially smaller than the internal diameter of therespective tube 146, 147. Thus, each middle segment 150Aiii, 150Biii isshaped and arranged to define an annular gap 148, 148′ between themiddle segment and the respective tube 146, 147. The annular gap 148,148′ forms a chamber that is sealed at opposite ends by a respectivepair of a channel seal O-ring 162, 162′ and a passage seal O-ring 164,164′. When the mode selector valve 26 is in the dispensing mode positionas shown in FIG. 41, the middle segment 150Aiii is aligned along themode selector valve axis MVA with the pressurization passage 22B. Inthis configuration, gas flow along the gas flow path GP through thepressurization passage 22B passes through the annular gap 148 from theupstream segment to the downstream segment of the pressurizationpassage, which communicates directly with the interior 14 of thecontainer 12. When the mode selector valve 26 is in the evacuation modeposition as shown in FIG. 40, the middle segment 150Biii is alignedalong the mode selector valve axis MVA with the evacuation leg 22Ci. Inthis configuration, gas flow along the gas flow path GP through theevacuation leg 22Ci extends through the annular gap 148 from the lowersegment of the evacuation leg, which communicates directly with theinterior 14 of the container 12, to the upper segment of the evacuationleg.

Referring to FIG. 37, the illustrated valve member 150 is formed from anassembly of substantially identical first and second valve member pieces190, 190′, first and second channel seal O-rings 162, 162′, and firstand second passage seal O rings 164, 164′. In certain embodiments, thevalve member pieces 190, 190′ comprise injection molded parts. Each ofthe illustrated valve member pieces 190, 190′ includes a base 192 whichdefines a respective one of the first and second bridges 150C, 150D andfirst and second studs 194, 196 extending generally parallel to the modeselector valve axis MVA from the respective base. The first stud 194 ofeach valve member piece 190, 190′ defines a perpendicular annularchannel seal groove 198 configured for receiving a respective one of thechannel seals 162, 162′ therein, and the second stud 196 of each gatepiece 190, 190′ defines a slanted passage seal groove 199 configured forreceiving a respective one of the passage seals 164, 164′ therein. Theinboard end segment of each first stud 194 defines a socket 200 shapedand arranged for matingly receiving an inboard end segment of the secondstud 196 of the other valve member piece 190, 190′. When the inboard endsegment of each first stud 194 is matingly received in the socket 200 ofthe second stud 196 of the other valve member piece 190, 190′, the twovalve member pieces can be fastened together at the inboard end segmentsof the two pairs of mated studs using screws 202.

Referring again to FIGS. 38-42, to use the mode selector valve 26, auser pushes the pushing surfaces of the bridges 150C, 150D to slide thefirst and second spools 150A, 150B conjointly along the mode selectorvalve axis. The user pushes on the pushing surface of the bridge 150C toslide the valve member 150 in a dispensing mode direction DMD toward thedispensing mode position shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 and pushes the pushingsurface of the second bridge 150D to slide the valve member 150 in anevacuation mode direction EMD toward an evacuation mode position shownin FIGS. 39 and 40.

Sliding the valve member 150 in the evacuation mode direction EMD to theevacuation mode position moves the valve member as a unit along the modeselector valve axis MVA so that the first spool 150A closes thepressurization passage 22B at the first selector valve channel 156 andthe second spool 150B opens the evacuation leg 22Ci at the secondselector valve channel 157. In the evacuation mode position, the firstpassage seal O-ring 164 (FIG. 39) forms a seal with the tube 146 thatcloses the pressurization passage 22B at the first mode selector valvechannel 156. Also in the evacuation mode position, the second passageseal O-ring 164′ (FIG. 40) is spaced apart from the evacuation leg 22Cialong the mode selector valve axis MVA in the evacuation mode directionEMD. Thus, if the control valve 24 is in the evacuation configuration,vacuum pressure at the venturi nozzle 28 is communicated to the uppersegment of the evacuation leg 22Ci and through the annular cavity 148′(which is sealed at its ends by the O-rings 162′, 164′) to the lowersegment of the evacuation leg. The lower segment of the evacuation leg22Ci communicates the vacuum pressure to the interior 14 of thecontainer 12 to evacuate liquid from an outside source into thecontainer through the liquid hose 48 and dip tube 49.

Sliding the valve member 150 in the dispensing mode direction DMD to thedispensing mode position moves the valve member as a unit along the modeselector valve axis MVA so that the first spool 150A opens thepressurization passage 22B at the first selector valve channel 156 andthe second spool 150B closes the evacuation leg 22Ci at the secondselector valve channel 157. In the dispensing mode position, the firstpassage seal O-ring 164 (FIG. 41) is spaced apart from thepressurization passage 22B along the mode selector valve axis MVA in thedispensing mode direction DMD. Also in the evacuation mode position, thesecond passage seal O-ring 164′ (FIG. 42) forms a seal with the tube 147that closes the evacuation leg 22Ci at the second mode selector valvechannel 157. Thus, if the control valve 24 is in the dispensingconfiguration, pressurized gas flows along the flow path GP from theupstream segment of the pressurization passage 22B and through theannular cavity 148 (which is sealed at its ends by the O-rings 162, 164)to the downstream segment of the pressurization passage. The downstreamsegment of the pressurization passage 22B delivers the pressurized gasto the interior 14 of the container 12 to dispense liquid in thecontainer through the dip tube 49 and liquid hose 48.

As is now apparent, the illustrated liquid flow device 10 can beselectively used in either a dispensing mode or an evacuation mode tocontrol the flow of liquid out of or into the container 12. To use thedevice 10 in the evacuation mode, the mode selector valve 26 must beadjusted to be in its evacuation mode configuration as explained aboveand the control valve 24 must also be adjusted to be in its evacuationconfiguration as explained above. To use the device 10 in the dispensingmode, the mode selector valve 26 must be adjusted to be in itsdispensing mode configuration as explained above and the control valve24 must also be adjusted to be in its dispensing configuration asexplained above. The requirement that two valves 24, 26 be adjusted tobe in corresponding configurations to operate the device in either ofthe dispensing and evacuation modes limits the likelihood of a suddenunintended switch between operational modes caused by accidentalmovement of the control valve lever 46 or mode selector valve gate 150.Switching between modes requires deliberate action by the user. In theevacuation mode of the liquid flow device 10, the flow rate at whichliquid is evacuated can be fine-tuned by pivoting the lever 64 in smallamounts about the control valve axis CVA. In the dispensing mode, thepressure valve 27 automatically controls the dispensing pressure andwill block fluid communication between the gas supply passage 22A andthe interior 14 of the container 12 as needed to prevent dispensingpressure above a designed threshold.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above products and methodswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted asillustrative and not in a limiting sense.

1. A liquid flow device for selectively dispensing liquid or evacuatingliquid from a source of liquid, the device comprising: a containerdefining an interior and an opening in fluid communication with theinterior; a lid configured to be mounted on the container over theopening; passaging supported by the container when the lid is mounted onthe container, the passaging including: a gas supply passage configuredto be fluidly connected to a source of pressurized gas; a pressurizationpassage configured to be fluidly connected to the gas supply passage,the pressurization passage being positioned to deliver pressurized gasfrom the gas supply passage to the interior of the container when thelid is mounted on the container; an evacuation passage including aventuri and configured to be fluidly connected to the interior of thecontainer when the lid is mounted on the container, the evacuationpassage being configured to be fluidly connected to the gas supplypassage to convey pressurized gas from the source of pressurized gasthrough the venturi to create a vacuum pressure in the interior of thecontainer; and a liquid passage configured to be fluidly connected tothe interior of the container, and fluidly connected by the interior ofthe container to the pressurization passage and the evacuation passagewhen the lid is mounted on the container; a control valve in fluidcommunication with and downstream from the gas supply passage and influid communication with and upstream from the pressurization passageand the evacuation passage, the control valve being selectivelyadjustable between at least a dispensing configuration in which thecontrol valve is configured to permit fluid communication between thegas supply passage and the pressurization passage and an evacuationconfiguration in which the control valve is configured to permit fluidcommunication between the gas supply passage and the evacuation passage;and mode selector valving different from the control valve, the modeselector valving being operable to selectively block flow of gas alongthe pressurization passage between the control valve and the interior ofthe container and operable to selectively block flow of gas along theevacuation passage from the interior of the container; wherein thepressurization passage includes a first portion downstream from the modeselector valving for fluid communication with the interior of thecontainer, the first portion of the pressurization passage beingdifferent from the evacuation passage; wherein the evacuation passageincludes a first portion upstream from the mode selector valving forfluid communication with the interior of the container, the firstportion of the pressurization passage being different from thepressurization passage.
 2. The device as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe control valve is configured to block fluid communication between thegas supply passage and the evacuation passage when the control valve isin the dispensing configuration.
 3. The device as set forth in claim 1,wherein the control valve is configured to block fluid communicationbetween the gas supply passage and the pressurization passage when thecontrol valve is in the evacuation configuration.
 4. The device as setforth in claim 1, wherein the control valve is selectively adjustable toa closed configuration in which the control valve blocks fluidcommunication between the gas supply passage and the pressurizationpassage and between the gas supply passage and the evacuation passage.5. The device as set forth in claim 4, wherein the control valveincludes an actuator movable with respect to the lid through a range ofmotion including a dispensing position in which the actuator adjusts thecontrol valve to the dispensing configuration, a closed position inwhich the actuator adjusts the control valve to the closedconfiguration, and an evacuation position in which the actuator adjuststhe control valve to the evacuation configuration, the closed positionbeing located along the range of motion between the dispensing positionand the evacuation position.
 6. The device as set forth in claim 5,wherein the actuator comprises a lever pivotable with respect to the lidabout a pivot axis.
 7. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein thecontrol valve is adjustable to throttle gas flow from the gas supplypassage to the evacuation passage.
 8. The device as set forth in claim1, wherein the control valve comprises a rotary valve.
 9. The device asset forth in claim 1, wherein the control valve comprises a controlvalve body defining channeling for fluidly connecting the gas supplypassage with the pressurization passage and the evacuation passage, andthe control valve comprises a control valve member movable with respectto the control valve body to adjust a gas flow path through thechanneling.
 10. The device as set forth in claim 9, wherein thechanneling includes a gas supply channel configured for fluidcommunication with the gas supply passage, a pressurization channelconfigured for fluid communication with the pressurization passage, andan evacuation channel configured for fluid communication with theevacuation passage.
 11. The device as set forth in claim 10, wherein thepressurization channel extends in a plane and the evacuation channelextends in a plane oriented transverse to the plane of thepressurization channel.
 12. The device as set forth in claim 10, whereinthe control valve body has a first end, a second end, and a side wallextending between the first and second ends.
 13. The device as set forthin claim 12, wherein each of the pressurization channel and theevacuation channel includes a respective opening at the first end of thecontrol valve body.
 14. The device as set forth in claim 13, wherein thecontrol valve member has an end that opposes the first end of thecontrol valve body.
 15. The device as set forth in claim 14, wherein thecontrol valve member defines channeling including a gas supplyconnection channel in fluid communication with the gas supply channeland a downstream connection channel in fluid communication with the gassupply connection channel, each of the gas supply connection channel andthe downstream connection channel including an opening at the end of thecontrol valve body.
 16. The device as set forth in claim 15, wherein:when the control valve is in the dispensing configuration, the openingof the downstream connection channel is aligned with the opening of thepressurization channel to fluidly connect the gas supply connectionchannel with the pressurization channel through the downstreamconnection channel; and when the control valve is in the evacuationconfiguration, the opening of the downstream connection channel isaligned with the opening of the evacuation channel to fluidly connectthe gas supply connection channel with the evacuation channel throughthe downstream connection channel.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The device as setforth in claim 1, wherein the pressurization passage includes a gasoutlet arranged to deliver gas directly from the pressurization passageto the interior of the container, and the evacuation passage includes agas inlet arranged to receive gas directly from the interior of thecontainer, the gas outlet being different than the gas inlet.
 19. Thedevice as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a pressure valvedownstream from the gas supply channel and configured to automaticallyblock gas flow along the pressurization channel in response to pressurein the container interior to limit pressure in the interior.
 20. Thedevice as set forth in claim 1, wherein the mode selector valvingcomprises a mode selector valve operatively coupled to thepressurization passage and to the evacuation passage, the mode selectorvalve being selectively adjustable between at least a dispensing modeconfiguration in which the mode selector valve blocks fluid flow throughthe evacuation passage and an evacuation mode configuration in which themode selector valve blocks fluid flow through the pressurizationpassage.
 21. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein thepressurization passage includes a second portion upstream from the modeselector valving and the evacuation passage includes a second portiondownstream from the mode selector valving, the first and second portionsof the pressurization passage being coaxial with each other, and thefirst and second portions of the evacuation passage being coaxial witheach other.